Catholic Charities support staff goes above and beyond the call of duty. They often come to our aid and divert disasters—just like superheroes. So we got to wondering…“If you could be any super hero, who would it be and why?”

Stephie Smith, receptionist, Prescott office
When I was a child, I love to watch Mighty Mouse with my brothers on Saturday mornings! He was my hero! That’s who I want to be!

Rebecca Payan, receptionist, Cottonwood office
If I had to choose to be any superhero, I would choose Superman.  He is the most normal of all superheroes. Human like everyone else, yet ready to save the world in a moment’s notice. He is very handsome and has wonderful traits such as selflessness, righteousness and compassion.  If more people exhibited these traits, the world would be a much better place.

Sally Gramke, administrative assistant, Foster Care and PPA
I’m not sure he’s a superhero, but I would be Clifford, the Big Red Dog from children’s books because of his loyal, laughable nature and the fact he tries to instill in kids to do the right thing!  (+ I Love dogs!!!)

Michelle Hoffman, receptionist, Flagstaff office
If I could be a superhero, it would be Wonder Woman, because she’s powerful.

Donna McNamara, secretary, Diversion
I would be the “Humor Hero,” because I think the world and everyone in it needs more humor and to laugh more!

Laura Montoya, administrative assistant, Prescott office
I would say that my grandson, Davin, is my superhero. Davin was a premature baby (6 weeks early) and was in the NICU at St. Joe's for three weeks. Looking at him now, he has overcome all obstacles and is such a brilliant, warm and loving toddler! What a hero! I want to be like him!

Chastity De Guzman, administrative assistant, Refugee
The fictional superhero Wonder Woman, whom was made of clay and was given life with super powers  by the Greek gods. She has many powers and skillsets, such as, being athletic and trained in combative settings whether being armed or unarmed. Although, a superhero, Wonder Woman manages to maintain her feminine appearance all while balancing her tiara on her head while on any mission. So therefore, I would want to be Wonder Woman, considering my responsibilities that I uphold as an administrative assistant in the Refugee Resettlement program. My skillsets are quite relative to Wonder Woman in aspects such as conquering daily assignments while utilizing acrobat skillsets in the hall, up and down the stairs, running office to office on the balls of my feet and swinging my shield and sword in order to protect sensitive data, our clients, and staff.  

Margie Leivas, receptionist, ASC office
If I could be any superhero, I would like to be “Catholic Charities IT Superhero,” because they are magic.
Whenever my computer is dead or frozen, with just the touch of their fingers, they make it run again like magic!!
• They are powerful!
• They are always available when I need them, and always with a smile.
• They are never tired or grumpy.
• They always go above and beyond the call of duty!
They are the BEST of the BEST!

Dorothy Lagway, administrative assistant, MANA House  
My superhero would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. He served, is serving and will serve always. I cannot fully describe all that He is, but He touches everything that has life in the ocean, air, earth ... all the plants and human beings, He is the foundation of existence, and most of all, the true example of LOVE.

Stella Strnad, administrative assistant, Accounting
The only superhero I would like to be is Officer Alicia Strnad 9059 Phoenix PD (my daughter).  She puts her life on the line every time she is on patrol protecting the citizens of Phoenix. This is something I would have never thought of doing, nor did I ever think she would have succeeded at this difficult job - but she does! She is the super hero I would like to be.

Janessa Jones, administrative assistant, Advancement
I would be Storm from X-men, so that I could control the weather. I would never let the temperature get above 75 degrees.

Other Stealthy Superheroes Among Us

Elsa Rivera, administrative assistant, Immigration
Kim Martin, administrative assistant, My Sisters’ Place
Monica Rosales Cisneros, receptionist, Northern office
Lidia Ramirez, receptionist, Northern office
Maribel Duarte, administrative assistant, Unaccompanied Minor
Adriana Smith, receptionist, Westside Head Start
Krystal Semmons, administrative assistant, SSVF
Kathleen Shaver, administrative assistant, Abstinence Education
Rose Esquivias, executive assistant, Administration
Sharon Thompson, receptionist, Prescott office

Activator -  People strong in the Activator theme are asking: “When can we start?” They believe that while analysis may have value, only with action will things happen. Once a decision is made, they cannot, not act.

Derek Kelley

Command  – People strong in the Command theme are very comfortable sharing their views. In fact, once their opinion is formed, they have a need to share it with others. They are not frightened by confrontation as it is the first step toward resolution.

No Staff

Communication – People strong in the Communication theme like to explain, to describe, to host, to speak in public and to write. They turn events into stories and then enliven it with images, examples and metaphors.

Jean Littlehale

Competition – People strong in the Competition theme are rooted in comparison. They need measurement because it facilitates comparison and competition. They like contests – particularly where they know they have the inside track to be the winner.

No Staff

Maximizer – People strong in the Maximizer theme are most rewarded by transforming something strong into something superb and lose interest in taking something from below average to slightly above average.  

Linda Watson

Self Assurance – People strong in the Self Assurance theme are able to take risks, meet new challenges, stake claims and deliver. They are not easily swayed by someone else’s arguments, no matter how persuasive. This self assurance may be quiet or loud, depending on other themes, but it is solid.

No Staff

Significance – People strong in the Significance  theme want to be significant in the eyes of other people. In the truest sense of the word, they want to be recognized. They want to be heard and to stand out. They want their work to be a way of life rather than a job.

No Staff

Woo – People strong in the Woo theme (stands for Winning Others Over) enjoy the challenge of meeting new people and gaining new friends. Strangers are energizing, and they are drawn to them. In their world, there are no strangers, only friend they haven’t met yet – and lots of them.

Linda Carrier
Sandy Flores